An integrated fastener of a modular building unit, a modular building unit, a modular building construction, a method of erecting a modular building construction, a method of extending a modular building construction

Abstract

The invention provides an integrated fastener of a modular building unit comprising a body with an internal seat oriented in the vertical direction, connected with its bottom portion to the modular building unit, characterised in that the body (1) comprises at least four vertical, mutually perpendicular walls defining side walls (14), within which a locking part (2) is accommodated which defines the bearing surface of a seat in a portion of the cross-section of the body (1), in the side surfaces of the body (1) at least one locking opening (3) is provided. Furthermore, the invention provides a modular building unit, a modular building construction, a method of erecting a modular building construction, a method of extending of a modular building construction, based on the integrated fastener.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention provides an integrated fastener of a module building unit, a modular building unit, a modular building construction, a method of erecting a modular building construction, a method of extending of a modular building construction. The object of the invention is applicable in the field of modular building systems.Prior Art

[0002] Growing interest in modular building is based on significantly reduced investment duration time, minimised formalities related to construction permits, low investment and maintenance costs.

[0003] In the prior art, there are known numerous solutions in the field of modular building. A major part of them are systems in which a building is erected on a framework and subsequently becomes encased with prefabricated walls.

[0004] Document DE3128376A1 describes a modular building construction having a framework which comprises a horizontal bottom rectangular base framework and four vertical corner posts which have the same length and are pushed to four corners of the base frame. The first wall element is connected to two corner posts positioned adjacently. The second wall element is connected to one of these corner posts and to the corner post positioned diagonally opposite the second corner post.

[0005] From document US2013305629A1 a modular building system is known in which the individual perpendicular modules are mounted in the manufacturing plant, optimized for transport and transported to the building site by means of conventional building systems. In site, the modules may be modularly mounted into multi-module buildings. The buildings may be mounted by assembling a plurality of structurally self-supporting modules together. The modules may be secured horizontally next to each other or vertically next to each other with the use of various specialist replaceable adapters. The modules may be also shifted in relation to each other, vertically or perpendicularly. The presented solution discloses framework modules which do not have finished walls, floors and roofs.

[0006] Also known are other solutions for modular constructions which are based on modular building compartment units. One of them is described in document US4443992A wherein an open three-dimensional steel cage of a relatively lightweight construction is built outside the construction site suitably to the desired specific configuration of the building unit. The cage is made from steel, cladded with wall panels, floor and roof. It is transported to the construction site as a self-supporting construction.

[0007] Document KR101744138 describes a solution where a building is made of compartment building modules which are placed in pairs, mutually parallel for each storey, alternating longitudinally and transversely to define a square surface of the building with a central staircase.

[0008] Document EP2329083A1 describes a method for constructing a multi-storey building from a plurality of building module assemblies. Each such assembly is structurally self-supporting and has at least one side wall, floor and roof. The method comprises the following steps: raising building module assemblies in place in the building so that each building level comprises a predefined number of modules; connecting the adjacent modules together at leach level; and connecting modules in one level to the corresponding modules of at least one neighbouring level positioned vertically above or below one level. In one form, a building module assembly comprises a building module comprising side walls, floor and roof with structural framework segments externally attached thereto. Modules are connected by means of additional elements for connecting structural frames.

[0009] Another system of this kind is disclosed in document US2016040443A1 where buildings may be assembled by joining a plurality of self-supporting frameworks for modules provided to the construction site. Modules may be secured horizontally next to each other or vertically next to each other by means of various specialist replaceable adapters. When a complete building framework is formed with modules, the modules are provided with partitions.

[0010] Modular system solutions known so far face several problems. Individualisation of projects is still limited compared to traditional building design methods. Complex adaptor assemblies make logistics and assembly difficult, while simplicity and speed of assembly in this building system remains the most important goal and investment value. Modular construction is not substantially suitable for possible future extending of the building in a modular system, or if such extending is possible then the design solutions are highly limited. Even more so, there are no solutions to enable spatial redesigning of the existing modules. Often this is due to the need for an external facade or other form of finish to be made, which makes it significantly more difficult or completely impossible to make changes to the completed building designs by rearranging the module connections.Summary of the Invention

[0011] It is the object of this invention to develop a module building construction based on a system of fasteners of modular units, to enable extending or rebuilding of completed designs, to enable complete implementation of the investment within several days, including works for finishing the facade, planking, gutter system and railing of the building, regardless of the weather season.

[0012] The subject-matter of the invention provides an integrated fastener of a modular building unit, comprising a body with an inner seat oriented in the vertical direction, and connected with its bottom portion to the modular building unit, characterised in that the body has at least four vertical, mutually perpendicular walls defining side walls within which a locking part is accommodated, which forming a bearing surface of the seat in a portion of the cross-section of the body, and at least one locking opening is arranged in the side walls of the body.

[0013] Preferably, the locking part constitutes a horizontal tongue or a plate or a pin mounted therein.

[0014] Preferably, the locking opening is arranged on the symmetry axis of the side wall and has a thread provided on the surface of the opening or by connecting the opening with a threaded sleeve or nut to the opening.

[0015] Preferably, connecting openings are arranged in the side walls of the body.

[0016] The subject-matter of the invention also provides a modular building unit comprising a self-supporting framework of a cuboid shape, characterised in that on the upper roof surface the fasteners are arranged according to the above described one, oriented in the same direction and integrated with the framework.

[0017] Preferably, from the below floor surface of a modular building unit locking bolts, which are an integrated part of the self-supporting framework, protrude from the lower floor surface of the modular building unit, and locking bolts are shaped to fit into the seats of the fasteners and be locked onto the locking components by sliding into position, and a modular building unit positioned above correspondingly to the position of the fasteners relative to a below modular building unit.

[0018] The subject-matter of the invention also concerns a modular building construction comprising a modular building unit according to the above description, characterised in that it comprises: at least one foundation module in a form of a framework; at least one residential module. On the upper surfaces, the foundation modules and the residential modules are provided with fasteners according to the description above, oriented in the same direction. The lowermost residential module is mounted on the foundation module by the locking bolts of the self-supporting framework, seated within the fasteners and clamped with locking screws positioned within locking opening of the fasteners. Optionally, the further residential modules are seated analogously.

[0019] Preferably, the foundation modules and the residential modules are provided with at least eight fasteners, wherein each side of the modules has two fasteners arranged adjacent the corners of the modules.

[0020] Preferably, the modular building units are encased at their circumference, at the level of the fasteners, with masking elements.

[0021] Preferably, modular building construction comprises at least two foundation modules which are at least partially flush with the side surfaces and are connected by means of connecting clamps.

[0022] Preferably, a roof module is seated on the uppermost residential module, using the fasteners and the locking bolts in the analogous manner, wherein the roof module comprises a self-supporting framework with locking bolts and has a form of an attic or a roofing slope.

[0023] The subject-matter of the invention also concerns a method of erecting a modular building construction according to the above described integrated fastener, characterised in that it comprises a. providing modular building units to the construction site, including at least one foundation module and at least one residential module; b. positioning at least the first foundation module onto the foundation structure, and optionally further foundation modules, and connecting it to the first foundation module using detachable connection between the adjacent fasteners. c. seating the first residential module corresponding to the first storey in the fasteners of the foundation module, using locking bolts, and then mounting the locking screws in the locking openings of the fasteners with the inserted locking bolts, and optionally analogously additional modular building units of the same storey, and connecting the adjacent fasteners by means of temporary fasteners. d. repeating analogously the step of connecting modular building units correspondingly with the number of storeys for subsequent storeys seated in the modular building units of the preceding storeys.

[0024] Preferably, said method comprises a step of seating the roof module, by the locking bolts and the fasteners, on the residential module of the last storey.

[0025] Preferably, said method comprises a step of installing supporting elements and / or masking elements on connecting openings of the fasteners.

[0026] Furthermore, the subject-matter of the invention also includes a method of extending of a modular building construction according to the description above, characterised by a. providing modular building units to the building site, b. optionally demounting the masking elements which cover the fasteners of modular building construction required for extending, and the supporting elements connected thereto, c. optionally demounting the roof modules of the vertical segments of the modular building construction intended to be extended by further storeys, d. adding modular building units as additional vertical segments of the modular building construction and / or seating modular building units as additional storeys of the modular building construction by connecting modular building units according to the description above. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] The subject-matter of the invention will be presented in more detail in a preferable embodiment with reference to the enclosed drawings where: Fig. 1 shows a connection of a fastener and a bolt for subsequent storeys of a modular building construction; Fig. 2 shows a connection of adjacent fasteners of the adjacent modular building units of the same storey; Fig. 3 shows a method of seating modular building units which define a vertical segment of a modular building construction; Fig. 4 shows a method of erecting a modular building construction; Fig. 5 shows exemplary ways of extending and re-building of a modular building construction; Fig. 6 shows a method of connecting a gutter on a fastener; Fig. 7 shows a method of connecting a supporting element on a fastener; Fig. 8 shows a view with modular building units of a design for a modular building construction, spaced apart; Fig. 9 shows a masking elements enclosing the spaces between the subsequent storeys of modular building units. Fig. 10 shows a load-bearing frame construction of a residential module.

[0028] Below, the following terminology is adopted for the subject invention:

[0029] For the purposes of the subject invention, the term "foundation module" refers to a prefabricated construction that constitutes an independent foundation ready to be seated on a levelled and hardened ground without any additional elements or works. The term "residential module", refers to a fully prefabricated and complete module that defines the inner space of the building and it is seated on a foundation or on a foundation module. The term "roof module" should be understood as a fully prefabricated roofing construction or an attic construction as an element of the top of the building. 1 - Body 2 - Locking part 3 - Locking opening 4 - Connecting openings 5 - Foundation module 6 - Residential module 7 - Roof module 8 - Fastener 9 Locking bolt 10 - Locking screws 11 - Connecting clamps 12 - Masking elements 13 - Supporting elements 14 - Side wall 15 - Framework 16 - Window blind system 17 - Gutter system 18 - Railings Detailed Description of a Preferable Embodiment of the invention

[0030] According to the invention, an integrated fastener 8 is provided for a modular building unit, comprising a body 1 with an inner seat oriented in the vertical direction, connected with its bottom portion to the modular building unit. The proposed construction of the fastener 8 enables seating and locking one module on another in a repeatable position with the use of one additional connecting element which can be a screw or a pin.

[0031] In an embodiment, described in fig. 1, the fastener 8 the body 1 of which is made from a steel profile of a square cross-section (four mutually perpendicular walls immediately adjacent to each other), is accommodated within which a locking part 2 and it has a form of a welded-in steel plate. The locking part 2 is a welded-in plate which occupies 30% of the cross-section of the body 1 and defines the bearing surface of the seat of the body 1.

[0032] In the side walls 14 of the body 1, there are two threaded locking openings 3 arranged coaxially, under the locking part 2 and symmetrically thereto. The locking openings 3, most preferably, are threaded openings or have threaded sleeves or nuts welded thereto, as shown in the embodiment of fig. 1, and they are intended to cooperate with a locking screw 10 the function of which is to press and lock a locking bolt 9 of the construction of the module seated on a lower level and with which the fastener 8 is integrated, e.g. by welding with the bearing framework 15 of the lower module. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, threading is provided in a nut 3 welded to the locking opening 3. In alternative constructions, locking openings 3 may be arranged in parallel to the locking part 2, and the element to protect the locking bolt 9 from sliding out from the connection to the locking portion 2 of the fastener 8 may be a pin being a pin as a parallel mounted stopper element for the locking bolt 9.

[0033] On each side wall 14 of the fastener 8, above the locking openings 3, there are two connecting openings 4. In other embodiments there may be another number of connecting openings 4. The connecting openings 4 are suitable for connecting, with the use or without of supporting elements 13 mounted on the fasteners 8, of railings 18, planking of the building, gutter system 17, or window blind system 16 and thus no interference with the façade of the modules is necessary. Their water and thermal insulation remains intact and in future non-invasive dismantling of the installation is possible. The fasteners 8 in their rectangular form, established suitably to the direction of the side walls 14, also enable ensuring maintaining of a correct distance / contact of the adjacent modules.

[0034] According to the invention also a modular building unit is provided comprising a self-supporting framework 15 with a cuboid shape on the upper surface of which the fasteners 8 are arranged, oriented in the same direction and integrated with the framework 15. In fig. 8., several types of the modular building units are shown where the basic one is a residential module 6, and also a foundation module 5 and a roof module 7 may be distinguished.

[0035] The residential module 6 constitutes one or several complete residential rooms accommodated within a closed body of one module, which may have more than one door or window opening. Flooring, walls and ceiling are suspended at the inner side of the self-supporting framework 15, and outside the self-supporting framework 15 is concealed under the external façade. The residential module is equipped with thermal and moisture insulation - it does not require any further protection. In fig. 9 a self-supporting framework 15 of the residential module 6 is shown, which is in its main part made of steel and some segments of the framework 15 in sections relevant for the assembly of partitions (walls, flooring, ceilings) are wooden. In the embodiment shown, the fasteners 8 are welded to the steel portion of the framework 15 at the bearing extensions of the steel spans. From the lower floor surface of the building unit locking bolts 9 extend which are an integrated portion of the framework 15. Locking bolts 9 of an above-positioned modular building unit are adjusted with their shape and positioning to be introduced into the seats of the fasteners 8 of a below-positioned modular building unit to be locked on the locking parts 2 - by a screw by pressing close. Fig. 3. depicts how the locking bolts 9 are interlocked in the seats to the fasteners 8.

[0036] The foundation module 5, shown inter alia in fig. 8 , is a rectangular framework 15 with fasteners 8 on its upper surface. The foundation module 5 is adapted to be seated on the foundation in a form of, e.g., pillars, micro-posts, pins, foundation plate or base. Adapting should be understood as levelling of the lower portion of a module relative to the level of the fasteners 8.

[0037] The roof module 7, for example, may be a module that terminates the construction of the building the upper surface of which is a terrace, and the fasteners 8 arranged on its upper surface may be used for mounting railings 18. The roof module 7 may be also finished with the use of a technology suitable for flat roofs and steep roofs. Fasteners 8 on the upper surfaces may be used for mounting planking. Analogously as in the residential module(s) 6, on the lower surface there are locking bolts 9 integrated in the self-supporting framework 15 of the module.

[0038] According to the invention, a modular building construction is also provided. Embodiment shown in fig. 8 comprises the following modular building units: five foundation modules 5, ten residential modules 6, five roof modules 7. Connections between the modules are implemented by means of fasteners 8 integrated with the modules, for example produced as described above. Fasteners 8 are arranged on upper surfaces of the foundation module 5 and the residential module 6, are connected to self-supporting frameworks 15 of the modules, and are oriented in the same direction. The residential modules 6 and the roof modules 7 comprise locking bolts 9, integrated with the self-supporting framework 15 and positioned suitably to the standard according to which the fasteners 8 are arranged. As shown in fig. 2, the fasteners 8 are connected to the locking bolts 9 of above-positioned modules. Connection is effected as a result of inserting the locking bolts 9 into the seats of the fasteners 8, movement into a locked position in which the shape of the locking bolt 9 adjusted to the locking portion 2 is locked in the vertical axis by the bearing surface. Provision of identical orientation of the fasteners 8 on the modules and suitably positioned relative to the fasteners 8 of the locking bolts 9 enables simultaneous seating and then shifting of all the module connecting elements into the locked position. In order to avoid movement of modules relative to each other, locking screws 10 are used being the sole independent element necessary in erecting the designed modular building construction. The locking bolts 9 are pressed with locking screws 10 positioned within the locking openings 3. The locking openings 10 may be made as through holes in the profile and thus enable simple dismounting of the construction by pushing the locking bolt 9 out of the locked position with the locking screws 10 screwed in from the side of the locking part 2.

[0039] Depict in fig. 8 the modular building construction requires for the foundation modules 5 and the residential modules 6 to be provided with at least eight fasteners 8, wherein on each side of the modules two terminal fasteners 8 are positioned adjacent the corners of the modules. On these fasteners 8, masking elements 12 are mounted as well as possibly supporting elements 13 for gutter systems 17.. Fig.9 shows adjacent modular building unit - the residential modules 6 and the roof module 7, at their circumference, at the level of the fasteners 8, are encased with masking elements 12 to define a visually consistent body of the building. Masking elements 12 may be masking frames, beams, façade panels, mounted after the building is erected at the target site, made for example of wood, cement fibre or ceramic fibre. The function of the masking elements 12 is to cover the connections of the modules, create an effect of a monolithic body, enhance the building aesthetics, separate the inter-modular spaces from external conditions.

[0040] Fourteen fasteners 8 of the modules, showed on fig. 8 enable individualization of the body of the building as a result of addition further vertical modular segments with a shift or crosswise - then the subsequent vertical segments are connected to flush adjusted modules by means of the fasteners 8 via connecting clamps 11 - implementation of such connection is shown in fig. 2.

[0041] The uppermost storey of modules may be finished with a roof module 7 formed as an attic, as shown in fig. 8, or a roofing slope with the self-supporting framework with locking bolts 9.

[0042] According to the invention, a method is provided and an embodiment thereof is shown in fig. 4. An exemplary method (variant "A" of fig. 5) of erecting the modular building construction accordingly comprises providing two foundation modules 5 and two residential modules 6 to the construction site.

[0043] In the first step, the first and the second foundation modules 5 are placed on the foundation structure and they are connected to threaded bars mounted within the connecting openings 4 of the adjacent fasteners 8.

[0044] Next, in the fasteners 8 of the foundation module 5, the first residential module 6 corresponding to the first storey is mounted by means of locking bolts 9, and then locking screws 10 are mounted within the locking openings 3 of the fasteners 8 with inserted locking bolts 9, and analogously a further residential module 6 of the same storey, and they are reciprocally connected to each other by means of connecting clamps 11 in the form of threaded bars 11 clamped on the connecting openings 4 of the adjacent fasteners 8.

[0045] In exemplary method "B", the connecting step is repeated analogously for a second storey of residential modules 6 seated on the residential modules 6 of the first storey.

[0046] Subsequently, a roof module 7 in a form of an attic is seated by means of locking bolts 9 in the fasteners 8 of the residential module 6 of the first storey. Analogous steps of erecting a modular building construction can be carried out to obtain other versions of the building, and the variants shown in fig. 5 are only examples.

[0047] As shown in fig. 7, supporting elements 13 are installed on the connecting openings 4 of the fasteners 8. The latter may be subsequently used for mounting gutter systems 17 or railings 18, as shown in fig. 6.

[0048] Further routes illustrated in fig. 5, show ways for extending and re-building existing constructions with additional modular building units. For this purpose, it is generally necessary to demount the masking elements 12, supporting elements 13, and elements mounted on supporting elements 13. In the case of extending with further storeys of vertical segments terminated with roof modules 7 it is necessary to demount the roof modules 7 first. Construction thus prepared may be extended and rebuilt (enlarged or reduced in size) arbitrarily according to the above disclosed method of erecting modular building constructions. The downsizing of an already extended building is carried out in the opposite way to assembly.

Claims

1. An integrated fastener of a modular building unit comprising a body with an internal seat oriented in the vertical direction, and connected with its bottom portion to the modular building unit, characterised in that the body (1) comprises at least four vertical, mutually perpendicular walls which define side walls (14), within which a locking part (2) is accommodated, forming a bearing surface of the seat in a portion of the cross-section of the body (1), and at least one locking opening (3) is arranged in the side walls (14) of the body (1).

2. The integrated fastener according to claim 1, wherein the locking part (2) constitutes a horizontal tongue or a plate or a pin mounted therein.

3. The integrated fastener according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the locking opening (3) is arranged on the symmetry axis of the side wall (14) and has a thread provided on the surface of the opening or by connecting the opening with a threaded sleeve or nut to the opening.

4. The integrated fastener according to claims 1 or 2 or 3, wherein connecting openings (4) are arranged in the side walls (14) of the body (1).

5. A modular building unit comprising a self-supporting framework of a cuboid shape, characterised in that on the upper roof surface the fasteners (8) are arranged according to any one of claims from 1 to 4, which are oriented in the same direction and integrated with the framework (15).

6. The modular building unit according to claim 5, wherein locking bolts (9), which are an integrated part of the self-supporting framework (15), protrude from the below floor surface of the modular building unit,and locking bolts (9) are shaped to fit into the seats of the fasteners (8) and be locked onto the locking components (2) by sliding into position, and a modular building unit positioned above correspondingly to the position of the fasteners (8) relative to a below modular building unit.

7. A modular building construction comprising a modular building unit according to any one of claims from 5 to 6, characterised in that it comprises: - at least one foundation module (5) in a form of a framework (15), - at least one residential module (6), wherein on the upper surfaces the foundation modules (5) and the residential modules (6) are provided with fasteners (8) according to any of claims 1 to 4, oriented in the same direction, wherein the lowermost residential module (6) is mounted on the foundation module (5) by the locking bolts (9) of the self-supporting framework (15), seated within fasteners (8) and clamped with locking screws (10) positioned within the locking openings (3) of the fasteners (8), and optionally, the further residential modules (6) are seated thereon analogously.

8. The modular building construction according to claim 7, wherein the foundation modules (5) and the residential modules (6) are provided with at least eight fasteners (8), wherein each side of the modules has two fasteners (8) arranged adjacent to the corners of the modules.

9. The modular building construction according to claims 7 or 8, wherein the modular building units are encased at the circumference, at the level of the fasteners (8), by masking elements (12).

10. The modular building construction according to claims 7 or 8 or 9, wherein it comprises at least two foundation modules (5) which are at least partially flush with side surfaces and are connected by means of connecting clamps (11).

11. The modular building construction according to claims 7 or 8 or 9 or 10, wherein a roof module (7) is seated on the uppermost residential module (6), using the fasteners (8) and the locking bolts (9) in the analogous manner, wherein the roof module (7) comprises a self-supporting framework with locking bolts (9) and has a form of an attic or a roofing slope.

12. A method of erecting a modular building construction according to any one of claims from 7 to 11, characterised in that it comprises: a. providing modular building units to the construction site, including at least one foundation module (5) and at least one residential module (6); b. positioning at least the first foundation module (5) onto the foundation structure, and optionally further foundation modules (5), and connecting it to the first foundation module (5) using detachable connection between the adjacent fasteners (8). c. seating the first residential module (6) corresponding to the first storey in the fasteners (8) of the foundation module (5), using locking bolts (9), and then mounting the locking screws (10) in the locking openings (3) of the fasteners (8) with the inserted locking bolts (9), and optionally analogously additional modular building units of the same storey, and connecting the adjacent fasteners (8) by means of temporary fasteners. d. repeating analogously the step of connecting modular building units correspondingly with the number of storeys for subsequent storeys seated in the modular building units of the preceding storeys.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said method comprises a step of seating the roof module (7), by the locking bolts (9) and the fasteners (8), on the residential module (6) of the last storey.

14. The method according to claims 12 or 13, wherein said method comprises a step of installing supporting elements (13) and / or the masking elements (12) on the connecting openings (4) of the fasteners (8).

15. A method of extending of a modular building construction according to any one of claims from 12 to 14, wherein a. providing modular building units to the building site, b. optionally demounting the masking elements (12) which cover the fasteners (8) of modular building construction required for extending, and the supporting elements (13) connected thereto, c. optionally demounting the roof modules (7) of the vertical segments of the modular building construction intended to be extended by further storeys, adding modular building units as additional vertical segments of the modular building construction and / or seating modular building units as additional storeys of the modular building construction by connecting modular building units according to the method of any one of claims from 12 to 15.

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